CN112034978A

CN112034978A - Flexible electronic device and operation method thereof

Info

Publication number: CN112034978A
Application number: CN202010495416.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 朴南俊; 金鎭益; 朴正敏
Original assignee: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Current assignee: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Priority date: 2019-06-03
Filing date: 2020-06-03
Publication date: 2020-12-04
Also published as: KR20200138931A; EP3748465A1; US11216040B2; WO2020246804A1; US20200379516A1

Abstract

The present application relates to a flexible electronic device for sensing a deformation state and a method of operating the same. The electronic device includes: a housing; a flexible display; at least one first sensor disposed in the housing; at least one second sensor disposed in the housing different from the at least one first sensor; at least one processor disposed in the housing and operatively connected to the flexible display, the at least one first sensor, and the at least one second sensor; and a memory operatively connected to the at least one processor, wherein the memory stores instructions that, when executed, cause the at least one processor to perform a plurality of operations comprising: acquiring first data from at least one first sensor; activating at least one second sensor based at least in part on the acquired first data; acquiring second data from at least one second sensor; and sensing a deformation state of the flexible display based at least in part on the acquired first data or second data.

Description

Flexible electronic device and operation method thereof

Technical Field

Certain embodiments relate to flexible electronic devices for sensing a deformation state and methods of operating the same.

Background

Nowadays, electronic devices are equipped with various functions including photographing still or moving images, playing music files or moving image files, games, receiving broadcasts, and supporting wireless internet, and thus have been implemented as general multimedia players. Accordingly, electronic devices have undergone a new type of development in terms of hardware or software in order to enhance portability and convenience while satisfying user demands.

The above information is presented merely as background information to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art with respect to the present disclosure, nor is an assertion made.

Disclosure of Invention

An electronic device according to some embodiments includes: a housing; a flexible display comprising a first portion and a second portion movable relative to each other; at least one first sensor disposed in the housing and configured to measure a relative position of the first portion and the second portion; at least one second sensor, different from the at least one first sensor, disposed in the housing and configured to measure a relative position of the first portion and the second portion; at least one processor disposed in the housing and operatively connected to the flexible display, the at least one first sensor, and the at least one second sensor; and a memory operatively connected to the at least one processor, wherein the memory stores instructions that, when executed, cause the at least one processor to perform a plurality of operations comprising: acquiring first data from at least one first sensor; activating at least one second sensor based at least in part on the acquired first data; acquiring second data from at least one second sensor; and sensing a deformation state of the flexible display based at least in part on the acquired first data or second data.

A method for operating an electronic device, according to some embodiments, the method comprising: acquiring first data from at least one first sensor configured to measure a relative position of a first portion and a second portion of the flexible display; activating at least one second sensor different from the at least one first sensor based at least in part on the acquired first data; acquiring second data from the activated at least one second sensor; and sensing a deformation state of the flexible display based at least in part on the acquired first data or second data.

The advantageous effects obtainable in the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned advantageous effects, and other advantageous effects not mentioned herein may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the following description.

Drawings

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment, according to some embodiments;

fig. 2A is a front view illustrating an opened state of an electronic device according to some embodiments, and fig. 2B is a rear view illustrating an opened state of an electronic device according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating a closed state of an electronic device according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating a folded state of an electronic device according to some embodiments;

fig. 4 is a diagram showing a sensor provided on an electronic device;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a sensor frame structure for identifying a deformation state of an electronic device, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram for identifying a deformed state of an electronic device associated with the electronic device, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart for activating at least one second sensor associated with an electronic device, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 8A is a flow chart for determining at least one second sensor as an activation target in relation to an electronic device, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 8B is a diagram for describing sensor control operations of an electronic device, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart for determining at least one second sensor as an activation target in relation to an electronic device, according to some embodiments;

fig. 10A is a diagram for describing a folded state of an electronic device according to some embodiments, fig. 10B is a diagram for describing a folded state of an electronic device according to some embodiments, fig. 10C is a diagram for describing a folded state of an electronic device according to some embodiments, and fig. 10D is a diagram for describing a folded state of an electronic device according to some embodiments;

FIG. 11 is another flow diagram for determining at least one second sensor as an activation target in relation to an electronic device, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram for determining a deformed state of a display associated with an electronic device, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram for changing a display output scheme based on a deformed state of a display associated with an electronic device, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 14 is a diagram for describing operations for changing an output scheme based on a deformation state associated with an electronic device, in accordance with certain embodiments;

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram for determining an operating mode associated with an electronic device, according to some embodiments;

fig. 16A is a diagram for describing a display structure of an electronic device according to some embodiments, and fig. 16B is a diagram for describing a display structure of an electronic device according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 16C is another diagram for describing operations for changing an output scheme based on a deformation state associated with an electronic device, according to some embodiments.

Detailed Description

The electronic device may be flexible in structure. The mechanical state of the flexible electronic device can be changed by user gestures. Further, the operation of the flexible type electronic device may be controlled based on the state change.

The flexible electronic device can be switched from an open state (or a fully open state) to a folded state or a closed state. Such a change in state may be determined by an inertial sensor, a hall IC sensor, or the like.

However, such sensors have different characteristics, respectively, making it difficult to recognize various states of the electronic device. For example, the open state or the closed state of the flexible type electronic device may be determined by using a hall IC sensor, but the characteristics of the hall IC sensor make it difficult to measure deformation equal to or greater than a certain angle. Further, the folded state of the flexible type electronic device may be determined by using the inertial sensor, but the characteristics of the inertial sensor (errors are accumulated as the measurement time increases) may decrease the accuracy of the measurement result.

Accordingly, certain embodiments are directed to providing methods and devices for accurately measuring a deformation state of an electronic device. According to some embodiments, a measurement sensor is selected based on a degree of deformation related to the flexible type electronic device, and a deformation state is determined based on the selected sensor, so that the state of the electronic device can be accurately measured.

The technical objects to be achieved herein are not limited to the above technical objects, and other technical objects not mentioned herein may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the following description.

Hereinafter, certain embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description of the embodiments, a detailed description of known functions or configurations related thereto will be omitted if it is considered that it may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present disclosure. Terms used herein are defined based on respective functions in the present disclosure, and may vary according to user or operator's intention, practice, and the like. Accordingly, its definition will be made based on the overall context of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1 will describe an electronic device 101 that may have an open state, a closed state, or a folded state. Fig. 2 depicts an open state, fig. 3A depicts a closed state, and fig. 3B depicts a folded state. FIG. 4 depicts a sensor configured to detect a particular deformation state of an electronic device, according to one embodiment. Fig. 5-8B depict the use of sensors to determine the deformation state of an electronic device. Fig. 9-12 depict embodiments of electronic devices having more than one folded portion. Fig. 13-15 depict varying the output scheme based on the determined deformation state. Fig. 16A-16C illustrate an embodiment with an expandable display.

Electronic device

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 according to some embodiments. Referring to fig. 1, an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 may communicate with an electronic device 102 via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or with an electronic device 104 or a server 108 via a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may communicate with the electronic device 104 via the server 108. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a processor 120, a memory 130, an input device 150, a sound output device 155, a display device 160, an audio module 170, a sensor module 176, an interface 177, a haptic module 179, a camera module 180, a power management module 188, a battery 189, a communication module 190, a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)196, or an antenna module 197. In some implementations, at least one of the components (e.g., display device 160 or camera module 180) may be omitted from electronic device 101, or one or more other components may be added to electronic device 101. In some embodiments, some of the components may be implemented as a single integrated circuit. For example, the sensor module 176 (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or an illuminance sensor) may be implemented to be embedded in the display device 160 (e.g., a display).

In some embodiments, as will be shown, the processor 120, memory 130, input device 150, sound output device 155, display device 160, audio module 170, sensor module 176, interface 177, haptic module 179, camera module 180, power management module 188, battery 189, communication module 190, Subscriber Identification Module (SIM)196, and antenna module 197 may be disposed in a collapsible housing.

The processor 120 may run, for example, software (e.g., the program 140) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware component or a software component) of the electronic device 101 connected to the processor 120, and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or calculation, processor 120 may load commands or data received from another component (e.g., sensor module 176 or communication module 190) into volatile memory 132, process the commands or data stored in volatile memory 132, and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory 134. According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (e.g., a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or an Application Processor (AP)) and an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), an Image Signal Processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a Communication Processor (CP)) that is operatively independent of or in conjunction with the main processor 121. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor 123 may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor 121, or be adapted specifically for a specified function. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from the main processor 121 or as part of the main processor 121.

The auxiliary processor 123 may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one of the components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the display device 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) when the main processor 121 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or the auxiliary processor 123 may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one of the components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the display device 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) with the main processor 121 when the main processor 121 is in an active state (e.g., running an application). Depending on the implementation, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera module 180 or the communication module 190) that is functionally related to the auxiliary processor 123.

Hereinafter, the term "processor" should be understood to include both singular and plural contexts.

The memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 or the sensor module 176). The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., program 140) and input data or output data for commands associated therewith. The memory 130 may include volatile memory 132 or non-volatile memory 134. The term "memory" is understood to refer to the entire memory system, and may include memory across multiple integrated circuits.

The program 140 may be stored in the memory 130 as software, and the program 140 may include, for example, an Operating System (OS)142, middleware 144, or an application 146.

The input device 150 may receive commands or data from outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., a user) to be used by other components of the electronic device 101, such as the processor 120. The input device 150 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

The sound output device 155 may output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device 101. The sound output device 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes such as playing multimedia or playing a record and the receiver may be used for incoming calls. Depending on the implementation, the receiver may be implemented separate from the speaker, or as part of the speaker.

Display device 160 may visually provide information to the exterior of electronic device 101 (e.g., a user). The display device 160 may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and control circuitry for controlling a respective one of the display, holographic device, and projector. According to an embodiment, the display device 160 may include a touch circuit adapted to detect a touch or a sensor circuit (e.g., a pressure sensor) adapted to measure an intensity of a force caused by a touch.

The display device 160 may have a first region and a second region. As will be shown in fig. 2A, the first and second regions are rotatably movable relative to each other about a folding axis substantially along a centerline of the display device 160.

The audio module 170 may convert sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 may obtain sound via the input device 150 or output sound via the sound output device 155 or a headset of an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wired) connected or wirelessly connected with the electronic device 101.

The sensor module 176 may detect an operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device 101 or an environmental state (e.g., state of a user) external to the electronic device 101 and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an Infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

In certain embodiments, the sensor module 176 may include at least one first sensor and at least one second sensor. The at least one first sensor and the at least one second sensor may provide information about a folded or deformed state of a housing of the electronic device. The at least one first sensor may include at least one of a hall Integrated Circuit (IC) sensor and an acceleration sensor. The at least one second sensor may comprise at least one of an angular encoder or a rotation sensor. The at least one first sensor may provide the first data to the processor 120. The at least one second sensor may be configured to be selectively activated by the processor 120. For example, the processor 120 may activate at least one second sensor based on first data received from at least one first sensor.

The interface 177 may support one or more particular protocols to be used to directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly connect the electronic device 101 with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102). According to an embodiment, the interface 177 may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a Secure Digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

The connection end 178 may include a connector via which the electronic device 101 may be physically connected with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102). According to an embodiment, the connection end 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The haptic module 179 may convert the electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or motion) or an electrical stimulus that may be recognized by the user via his sense of touch or kinesthesia. According to an embodiment, the haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

The camera module 180 may capture still images or moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash.

The power management module 188 may manage power to the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the power management module 188 may be implemented as at least part of a Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC), for example.

The battery 189 may power at least one component of the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary cell, a rechargeable secondary cell, or a fuel cell.

The communication module 190 may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102, the electronic device 104, or the server 108), and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication module 190 may include one or more communication processors capable of operating independently of the processor 120 (e.g., an Application Processor (AP)) and supporting direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module 190 may include a wireless communication module 192 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module 194 (e.g., a Local Area Network (LAN) communication module or a Power Line Communication (PLC) module). A respective one of these communication modules may communicate with external electronic devices via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as bluetooth, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a cellular network, the internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or Wide Area Network (WAN))). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multiple components (e.g., multiple chips) that are separate from one another. The wireless communication module 192 may identify and authenticate the electronic device 101 in a communication network, such as the first network 198 or the second network 199, using subscriber information, such as an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), stored in the subscriber identity module 196.

The antenna module 197 may transmit signals or power to or receive signals or power from outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., an external electronic device). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include an antenna including a radiating element composed of a conductive material or conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include a plurality of antennas. In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme used in a communication network, such as the first network 198 or the second network 199, may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module 190 (e.g., the wireless communication module 192). Signals or power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module 190 and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, additional components other than the radiating element, such as a Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit (RFIC), may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module 197.

At least some of the above components may be interconnected and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) communicatively between them via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., bus, General Purpose Input Output (GPIO), Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), or Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI)).

According to an embodiment, commands or data may be sent or received between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 104 via the server 108 connected with the second network 199. Each of the electronic device 102 and the electronic device 104 may be the same type of device as the electronic device 101 or a different type of device from the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, all or some of the operations to be performed at the electronic device 101 may be performed at one or more of the external electronic device 102, the external electronic device 104, or the server 108. For example, if the electronic device 101 should automatically perform a function or service or should perform a function or service in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service instead of or in addition to performing the function or service. The one or more external electronic devices that received the request may perform the requested at least part of the functions or services or perform another function or another service related to the request and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 may provide the result as at least a partial reply to the request with or without further processing of the result. To this end, for example, cloud computing technology, distributed computing technology, or client-server computing technology may be used.

The electronic device according to some embodiments may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic device may comprise, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic devices are not limited to those described above.

It should be understood that certain embodiments of the present disclosure and terms used therein are not intended to limit technical features set forth herein to specific embodiments, but include various changes, equivalents, or alternatives to the respective embodiments. For the description of the figures, like reference numerals may be used to refer to like or related elements. It will be understood that a noun in the singular corresponding to a term may include one or more things unless the relevant context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, each of the phrases such as "a or B," "at least one of a and B," "at least one of a or B," "A, B or C," "at least one of A, B and C," and "at least one of A, B or C" may include any or all possible combinations of the items listed together with the respective one of the plurality of phrases. As used herein, terms such as "1 st" and "2 nd" or "first" and "second" may be used to distinguish one element from another element simply and not to limit the elements in other respects (e.g., importance or order). It will be understood that, if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being "coupled to", "connected to" or "connected to" another element (e.g., a second element), it can be directly (e.g., wiredly) connected to, wirelessly connected to, or connected to the other element via a third element, when the term "operatively" or "communicatively" is used or not.

As used herein, the term "module" may include units implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms (e.g., "logic," "logic block," "portion," or "circuitry"). A module may be a single integrated component adapted to perform one or more functions or a minimal unit or portion of the single integrated component. For example, according to an embodiment, the module may be implemented in the form of an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).

Certain embodiments set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g., program 140) comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 136 or external memory 138) that is readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device 101). For example, under control of a processor, a processor (e.g., processor 120) of the machine (e.g., electronic device 101) may invoke and execute at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, with or without the use of one or more other components. This enables the machine to be operable to perform at least one function in accordance with the invoked at least one instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code capable of being executed by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Where the term "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), the term does not distinguish between data being semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and data being temporarily stored in the storage medium.

According to embodiments, methods according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be used as a product for conducting a transaction between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium, such as a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), or may be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online via an application store (e.g., a Play store), or may be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). At least part of the computer program product may be temporarily generated if it is published online, or at least part of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored in a machine readable storage medium, such as a memory of a manufacturer's server, a server of an application store, or a forwarding server.

According to some embodiments, each of the above components (e.g., modules or programs) may comprise a single entity or multiple entities. According to certain embodiments, one or more of the above components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, according to some embodiments, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as the corresponding one of the plurality of components performed the one or more functions prior to integration. Operations performed by a module, program, or another component may, according to some embodiments, be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be performed in a different order, or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

The electronic device 101 may be provided in a foldable housing including a first housing and a second housing connected to each other by a folding portion. The foldable housing may assume various deformed states, such as an open state, a closed state, and a folded state. The open state is when the first and second housings substantially form a single flat surface above the first and second housings, or is within a determined threshold of a flat surface. The closed state is when the first and second housings are stacked on each other, or within a certain degree of being stacked on each other. The folded state is when the first casing and the second casing form an angle between the opened state and the closed state.

Deformation state

Fig. 2A is a diagram illustrating an open state of an electronic device according to some embodiments, and fig. 2B is a diagram illustrating an open state of an electronic device according to some embodiments. More specifically, fig. 2A is a front view illustrating an opened state of an electronic device according to some embodiments, and fig. 2B is a rear view illustrating an opened state of an electronic device according to some embodiments. Further, fig. 3A is a diagram illustrating a closed state 300 and a closed state 310 of an electronic device according to some embodiments, fig. 3B is a diagram illustrating a folded state 320 and a folded state 330 of an electronic device according to some embodiments, and fig. 4 is a diagram 400 illustrating a sensor provided on an electronic device. In the following description, the electronic device may include the electronic device 101 in fig. 1.

1. Open state

Referring to fig. 2A and 2B, an electronic device according to some embodiments may include a foldable housing (or flexible housing) 210, a foldable portion 220, a main display 230, and/or a sub-display 250.

According to some embodiments, collapsible housing 210 may include a first housing 212 and a second housing 214. The first housing 212 may include a first surface (or a first front surface) and a third surface (or a first rear surface) facing away from the first surface. The second housing 214 may include a second surface (or a second front surface) and a fourth surface (or a second rear surface) facing away from the second surface.

According to some embodiments, the first and

second cases

212 and 214 may be disposed at both sides of the folding portion 220, respectively, and may be connected by the folding portion 220. For example, the folding portion 220 may be coupled to a side surface of the first case 212 and a side surface of the second case 214 facing the side surface of the first case 212, respectively, so as to be pivotably (or rotatably) or foldably connected between the first case 212 and the second case 214. According to an embodiment, the first housing 212 may be connected to the second housing 214 by a folded portion 220 and may rotate with respect to the folded portion 220. Further, the second housing 214 may be connected to the first housing 212 by a folding portion 220 and may be rotatable with respect to the folding portion 220. The first and

second housings

212 and 214 may be rotated with respect to the folding portion 220 such that the first and

second housings

212 and 214 are folded while facing each other.

According to some embodiments, a main display 230 may be disposed on the first and

second housings

212 and 214 across the folding portion 220. The main display 230 may be mounted to be supported by the first housing 212 and the second housing 214. In some embodiments, a main display 230 may be disposed on a first surface of the first housing 212 and a second surface of the second housing 214 across the fold portion 220. The area of the main display 230 may be divided into different areas with respect to the folder 220. For example, the region of the main display 230 may be divided into a first region 231 and a second region 232.

According to some embodiments, the sub-display 250 may be disposed in a space formed by the first housing 212. At least a portion of the sub-display 250 may be visually exposed through the third surface (or the first rear surface) of the first housing 212 or through a partial area of the first rear cover 280. However, this is merely an example, and the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the sub-display 250 may be disposed in a space formed by the second housing 214 such that at least a portion thereof is visually exposed through the fourth surface (or the second rear surface) of the second housing 214 or through a partial area of the second rear cover 270.

According to an embodiment, the open state may refer to a state in which the first case 212 faces a fifth direction and the second case 214 faces a sixth direction substantially the same as the fifth direction. For example, when the electronic device is unfolded, an angle between the first surface of the first housing 212 and the second surface of the second housing 214 may be included within a first angle range that is pre-specified. The first pre-specified angle range may be greater than 150 ° and less than 180 °. When the electronic device is unfolded, the main display 230 may be exposed through a field of view of a user facing a front surface of the electronic device, and the sub-displays 250 may not be exposed.

2. Closed state

According to an embodiment, the closed state may refer to a state in which the first and

second housings

212 and 214 substantially overlap or overlap each other. The substantially overlapped or superimposed state may refer to a state in which an angle between the first surface of the first housing 212 and the second surface of the second housing 214 is included in a second angle range specified in advance, or an angle between the third surface of the first housing 212 and the fourth surface of the second housing 214 is included in a second angle range specified in advance. The second pre-specified angle range may be greater than 0 ° and less than 10 °. For example, the closed state may correspond to a state 300 in which the first surface of the first housing 212 and the second surface of the second housing 214 face each other in fig. 3A, or a state 310 in which the third surface of the first housing 212 and the fourth surface of the second housing 214 face each other in fig. 3A. When the electronic device is in the closed state, the sub-display 250 may be exposed through a field of view of the user facing the front surface of the electronic device, and the main display 230 may not be exposed.

3. Folded state

According to an embodiment, the folded state may correspond to an intermediate state between the above-mentioned open state and closed state. For example, the folded state of the electronic device may correspond to a state 320 in which an angle between the first surface of the first housing 212 and the second surface of the second housing 214 is included in a third angle range designated in advance in fig. 3B, or to a state 330 in which an angle between the third surface of the first housing 212 and the fourth surface of the second housing 214 is included in a third angle range designated in advance in fig. 3B. The pre-specified third angular range may be greater than 10 ° and less than 150 °. When the electronic device is folded, the main display 230 may be exposed through a field of view of a user facing a front surface of the electronic device, and the sub-display 250 may not be exposed. Further, at least a portion of the rear surface of the electronic device (e.g., the sub-display 250) may be exposed and at least a portion of the main display 230 may not be exposed according to the degree of folding of the electronic device.

Sensor with a sensor element

Various sensors may be used to detect whether the electronic device is in an open state, a closed state, or a folded state.

According to some embodiments, each of the first housing 212 and the second housing 214 may have a first sensor disposed thereon. For example, as shown in fig. 4, at least one sensor capable of sensing deformation of the electronic device may be disposed on the first housing 212, the folded portion 220, and/or the second housing 214. The sensors capable of sensing deformation may include at least one of an inertial sensor 420, a hall IC sensor 430, and a hall IC sensor 440, a proximity sensor 410, a tension sensor 450, or an angle encoder (or rotation sensor) 460. According to an embodiment, the inertial sensor 420 may be disposed in a space formed by the first housing 212 and a space formed by the second housing 214. For example, the inertial sensor 420 may acquire information about acceleration, velocity, direction, distance, etc., resulting from the movement of the first housing 212 and/or the second housing 214. For example, the inertial sensor 420 may be disposed in a predetermined area with respect to the center of the first housing 212. According to an embodiment, the hall IC sensor 430 and the hall IC sensor 440 may be disposed in a space configured such that the first case 212 and the second case 214 may abut each other. The hall IC sensor 430 and the hall IC sensor 440 may include a transmitter for generating a magnetic field of a specific frequency and a receiver for receiving the magnetic field generated by the transmitter, thereby acquiring data regarding the closing or opening of the first and

second cases

212 and 214. In addition, the first and

second housings

212 and 214 may have a plurality of hall IC sensors disposed thereon. For example, at least one of a transmitter or a receiver of the first hall IC sensor 430 may be disposed on a side surface of the first housing 212 connected to the folder portion 220, and the other thereof may be disposed on a side surface of the second housing 214. Further, at least one of the transmitter or the receiver of the second hall IC sensor 440 may be disposed on an end corresponding to a first direction of the first housing 212 (e.g., a leftward direction of the first housing 212), and the other thereof may be disposed on an end corresponding to a second direction of the second housing 214 (e.g., a rightward direction of the second housing 214), wherein the second direction is substantially opposite to the first direction.

According to an embodiment, the proximity sensor 410 may be disposed inside the first housing 212 or the second housing 214. For example, the proximity sensor 410 may be disposed on an end corresponding to a third direction of the first housing 212 (e.g., an upward direction of the first housing 212) or on an end corresponding to a fourth direction of the second housing 214 (e.g., an upward direction of the second housing 214), wherein the fourth direction is substantially the same as the third direction. For example, the proximity sensor 410 may be exposed to the outside of the electronic device through an opening formed in a first surface (e.g., a first front surface) of the first housing 212 or in a second surface (e.g., a second front surface) of the second housing 214, thereby acquiring data regarding the proximity between the first housing 212 and the second housing 214. According to an embodiment, the stretch sensor 450 and the angle encoder 460 may be disposed on at least a portion of the folding portion 220 connecting the first housing 212 and the second housing 214. For example, the tension sensor 450 and the angle encoder 460 may acquire information about the rotation angles of the first housing 212 and the second housing 214.

The above-described locations in which at least one sensor is disposed are examples to aid in understanding certain embodiments, and certain embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the location in which the at least one sensor is disposed may be configurable and/or changeable by a designer and/or user.

According to some embodiments, the folding portion 220 may be configured with a hinge and a hinge cover (not shown), and the hinge may be covered by the hinge cover.

According to some embodiments, main display 230 may be coupled to a touch sensor (not shown) capable of detecting touch inputs, such that main display 230 is configured with an integrated touch screen. When the main display 230 is configured with a touch screen, the touch sensor may be disposed above the main display 230 or below the main display 230.

The above-described configuration of the electronic device is an example, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in addition to the above configuration, the electronic device may include at least one component. The at least one component may include at least one camera, at least one sensor, at least one microphone, at least one speaker, etc., as at least part of the configuration described above with reference to fig. 1. Such at least one component may be disposed in a space formed by the first rear cover 280 of the first housing 212 or the second rear cover 270 of the second housing 214.

The electronic device according to some embodiments may reach a state in which it is unfolded by the folding portion 220 (or a fully opened state). In addition, the electronic device may reach a state in which it is folded by the folding portion 220 (or a partially opened state) and/or a closed state.

The following angular ranges for determining the open, folded and closed states:

angular deformation state

0 to 10 degree closure

10 to 150 degree fold

150 to 180 degrees open

Are examples, and certain embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the angular range used to determine the open, folded, or closed state may be configured and/or varied by a designer and/or user.

Different sensors have different characteristics. For example, the open state or the closed state of the flexible type electronic device may be determined by using a hall IC sensor, but characteristics of the hall IC sensor may make it difficult to measure deformation equal to or greater than a certain angle. Further, the folded state of the flexible type electronic device may be determined by using the inertial sensor, but the characteristics of the inertial sensor (errors are accumulated as the measurement time increases) may decrease the accuracy of the measurement result.

Thus, the processor may determine the deformation state of the electronic device using the at least one second sensor. The at least one first sensor may typically be "always on" and continuously monitor the state of the electronic device, such as a hall IC sensor or an acceleration sensor. Based on information provided by the at least one first sensor, the processor may activate the at least one second sensor. Data from the at least one first sensor and the at least one second sensor may be used to determine a deformation state of the electronic device.

FIG. 5 is a diagram 500 illustrating a sensor frame structure for determining a deformation state of an electronic device, according to some embodiments.

Referring to fig. 5, the sensor framework may generate new information by combining a plurality of pieces of information acquired by various multiple physical sensors 510 to determine the deformed state of the electronic device into a single piece of information. According to an embodiment, the sensor framework may include a combination information provider 520 and a deformation sensor provider 530, wherein the combination information provider 520 is configured to combine pieces of information acquired by the various plurality of physical sensors 510, and the deformation sensor provider 530 is configured to provide sensor information resulting from deformation of the electronic device based on the information combined by the combination information provider 520.

According to an embodiment, the combination information provider 520 may include an inertia information provider 521, an angle information provider 522, a folding information provider 523, a deformation information provider 524, and the like. As described above, the combination information provider 520 may combine information acquired by at least some of the plurality of physical sensors 510 provided on the electronic device. For example, the inertial information provider 521 may combine a plurality of pieces of information acquired by the acceleration sensor 511, the gyro sensor 516, and the like, thereby providing inertial information. Further, the angle information provider 522 may combine information acquired by the acceleration sensor 511, the gyro sensor 516, the angle encoder 513, the hall IC sensor 517, and the like, thereby providing angle information. Further, the folding information provider 523 may combine information acquired by the angle encoder 513, the proximity sensor 514, the piezoelectric sensor 515, the hall IC sensor 517, and the rotation sensor 519, thereby providing folding information. Further, the deformation information provider 524 may combine information acquired by the acceleration sensor 511, the magnetic sensor 512, the angle encoder 513, the proximity sensor 514, the piezoelectric sensor 515, the gyro sensor 516, the hall IC sensor 517, the tension sensor 518, and the rotation sensor 519, thereby providing deformation information. However, this is merely an example, and the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the type of the combined information provider 520 and the type of the physical sensor 510 used by the combined information provider 520 may be configured and/or changed by a designer and/or user.

According to an embodiment, the deformation sensor provider 530 may provide at least a portion of the information combined by the combination information provider 520, as described above, as sensor information generated by deformation of the electronic device.

An electronic device (e.g., electronic device 101 in fig. 1) according to some embodiments may include: a housing (e.g., collapsible housing 210 in fig. 2A); a flexible display (e.g., main display 230 in fig. 2A) comprising a first portion (e.g., first housing 212 in fig. 2A) and a second portion (e.g., second housing 214 in fig. 2A) that are movable relative to each other; at least one first sensor (e.g., at least a portion of physical sensor 510 in fig. 5) disposed in the housing and configured to measure a relative position of the first portion and the second portion; at least one second sensor (e.g., another portion of physical sensor 510 in fig. 5) different from the at least one first sensor, the at least one second sensor disposed in the housing and configured to measure a relative position of the first portion and the second portion; a processor (e.g., processor 120 in fig. 1) disposed in the housing and operatively connected to the flexible display, the at least one first sensor, and the at least one second sensor; and a memory (e.g., memory 130 in fig. 1) operatively connected to the processor. The memory may be configured to store instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to: acquiring first data from at least one first sensor; activating at least one second sensor based at least in part on the acquired first data; acquiring second data from the activated at least one second sensor; and sensing a deformation state of the flexible display based at least in part on the acquired first data or second data.

According to an embodiment, the instructions may be configured to cause the processor to monitor an initial state of the housing by using the at least one first sensor after the electronic device is activated.

According to an embodiment, the at least one first sensor may include at least one of a hall IC sensor (e.g., hall IC sensor 517 in fig. 5) or an acceleration sensor (e.g., acceleration sensor 511 in fig. 5) disposed in the housing.

According to an embodiment, the at least one second sensor may include at least one of an angular encoder (e.g., angular encoder 513 of fig. 5) or a rotation sensor (e.g., rotation sensor 519 of fig. 5) disposed in the housing.

According to an embodiment, the memory may be configured to store accuracy information and/or current consumption information corresponding to the relative position and/or angle of the at least one first sensor and the at least one second sensor, and the instructions may be configured to cause the processor to activate the at least one second sensor based at least in part on the first data and information.

According to an embodiment, the memory may be configured to store information about the at least one first sensor and the at least one second sensor corresponding to the application, and the instructions may be configured to cause the processor to activate the at least one second sensor based at least in part on the first data and the information.

According to an embodiment, the flexible display may further comprise a third portion being changeable in position and/or angle with respect to each other; the memory may be configured to store information about a folding type of the at least one first sensor and the at least one second sensor corresponding to the flexible display; and the instructions may be configured to cause the processor to determine a folding type of the flexible display based at least in part on the first data, and activate the at least one second sensor based on the determined folding type and the information.

According to an embodiment, the instructions may be configured to cause the processor to activate the at least one second sensor and then to cause the at least one first sensor to be in an inactive state.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further include at least one third sensor (e.g., another portion of the physical sensor 510 in fig. 5) different from the at least one first sensor and the at least one second sensor, the third sensor disposed in the housing and configured to measure a relative position and/or angle of the first portion and the second portion. The instructions may be configured to cause the processor to: activating at least one third sensor when the sensed deformation state of the flexible display satisfies a specified condition; acquiring third data by using the activated third sensor; and monitoring a deformation state of the flexible display based on the acquired third data. The at least one third sensor may include a gyro sensor (e.g., gyro sensor 516 in fig. 5).

According to an embodiment, the instructions may be configured to cause the processor to determine an output scheme with respect to the first portion and the second portion based on the sensed deformation state of the flexible display.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram 600 for identifying a deformed state of an electronic device associated with the electronic device, according to some embodiments. Various operations in the following embodiments may be, but need not be, performed in sequence. For example, the order of the individual operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

Referring to fig. 6, according to some embodiments, in operation 610, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 of fig. 1) may acquire first data by using at least one first sensor. For example, the at least one first sensor may be some of the sensors provided in the electronic device 101. For example, the first data may be acquired by at least one of an inertial sensor, a magnetic sensor, a hall IC sensor, a proximity sensor, an angle encoder, a tension sensor, or a rotation sensor. As another example, the at least one first sensor may correspond to all sensors provided in the electronic device 101. For example, the first data may be acquired by an inertial sensor, a magnetic sensor, a hall IC sensor, a proximity sensor, an angle encoder, a tension sensor, or a rotation sensor. According to an embodiment, the at least one first sensor may be activated by a pre-specified event. The pre-specified event may be related to at least one of a power-up (or start-up) of the electronic device 101, execution of a pre-specified application, a pre-specified user input, or a battery status. According to an embodiment, the first data may relate to a relative position and/or angle of at least a portion of the first housing and at least a portion of the second housing in an initial state of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the foldable housing 210) after the occurrence of a pre-specified event. For example, the first data may be information combined by at least one of the combination information providers 520 as described above with reference to fig. 5.

According to some embodiments, in operation 620, electronic device 101 (e.g., processor 120 in fig. 1) may process activation of the at least one second sensor based on the first data. According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may determine a prevailing deformation state with respect to the electronic device 101 based on the first data. Further, the processor 120 may activate the at least one second sensor to acquire second data for determining a secondary deformation state based on the primary deformation state. For example, at least a portion of the at least one second sensor used to acquire the second data may be different from the at least one first sensor activated to acquire the first data. For example, when the first data is acquired by the inertial sensor and the hall IC sensor, the processor 120 may activate at least one of the proximity sensor, the angle encoder, the stretch sensor, or the rotation sensor to acquire the second data. The processor 120 may cause at least one first sensor to be in an inactive state or may maintain activation of at least a portion of the activated first sensors.

According to some embodiments, in operation 630, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 of fig. 1) may acquire second data by using the at least one activated second sensor. According to an embodiment, the second data may be information provided by at least one of the combination information provider 520 or the deformation sensor provider 530 as described above with reference to fig. 5.

According to some embodiments, in operation 640, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 in fig. 1) may determine a deformation state of the display based on at least a portion of the second data. For example, processor 120 may determine a secondary deformation state for electronic device 101 based on at least a portion of the second data. However, this is merely an example, and the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, processor 120 may use at least a portion of the first data to determine a secondary deformation state for electronic device 101.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart 700 for activating at least one second sensor associated with an electronic device, according to some embodiments. The operations in fig. 7 described below may correspond to certain implementations of

operations

610 and 620 in fig. 6. Various operations in the following embodiments may be, but need not be, performed in sequence. For example, the order of the individual operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

Referring to fig. 7, according to some embodiments, in operation 710, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 of fig. 1) may sense a state detection event. The state detection event refers to a pre-specified event for detecting a deformed state of the electronic apparatus 101, and may be related to at least one of power-up of the electronic apparatus 101, execution of a pre-specified application, a pre-specified user input, or a battery state as described above.

According to some embodiments, in operation 720, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 of fig. 1) may process the acquisition of the first data. According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may acquire the first data by using at least one first sensor.

According to some embodiments, in operation 730, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 in fig. 1) may determine a degree of folding of the display based on at least a portion of the first data. The degree of folding may be based on the angle between the first 231 and second 232 regions of the display.

According to some embodiments, in operation 740, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 in fig. 1) may confirm whether the sensor change condition is satisfied based on a degree of folding of the display. According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may confirm whether the sensor change condition is satisfied based on the pre-designated sensor driving information and the current folding degree of the display. As in the example given in table 1 below, the driving information may correspond to information related to the definition of the sensors (e.g., respective sensors) that are driven to correspond to the degree of folding of the display:

TABLE 1

For example, the processor 120 may identify at least one respective sensor corresponding to a current degree of folding of the display based on the sensor driving information. Further, the processor 120 may confirm whether the currently driven sensor (e.g., the currently driven at least one first sensor) is identical to the identified at least one corresponding sensor. For example, if at least one sensor is the same as the at least one corresponding sensor, the processor 120 may confirm that the sensor change condition is not satisfied. Further, if at least one sensor is not the same as the at least one corresponding sensor, the processor 120 may confirm that a sensor change condition is satisfied.

According to another embodiment, as in the example given in table 2 below, the driving information may comprise additional information related to the definition of the amount of current consumed by the respective sensor:

TABLE 2

For example, the processor 120 may identify at least one respective sensor corresponding to a current degree of folding of the display based on current consumption in the sensor drive information. Further, the processor 120 may confirm whether the currently driven sensor (e.g., the currently driven at least one first sensor) is identical to the identified at least one corresponding sensor. For example, if the at least one first sensor is the same as the at least one corresponding sensor, the processor 120 may confirm that the sensor change condition is not satisfied. Further, if the at least one first sensor is not the same as the at least one corresponding sensor, the processor 120 may confirm that the sensor change condition is satisfied.

According to some embodiments, when it is confirmed that the sensor change condition is satisfied based on the folding degree of the display, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 in fig. 1) may determine at least one second sensor corresponding to the folding degree as the activation target in operation 750. For example, in response to determining that the degree of folding is included within the first range, based on table 1 above, the processor 120 may determine the hall IC sensor and the inertial sensor as activation targets for acquiring the second data. Further, in response to determining that the degree of folding is included in the nth range, the processor 120 may determine the hall IC sensor, the inertial sensor, the angle encoder, and the stretch sensor as activation targets for acquiring the second data, based on table 1 described above.

As another example, in response to determining that the degree of folding is included within the first range, based on table 1 above, the processor 120 may determine a hall IC sensor as an activation target for acquiring the second data, the hall IC sensor having a relatively high accuracy among the respective sensors corresponding to the first range. Further, in response to determining that the degree of folding is included in the nth range, based on table 1 described above, the processor 120 may determine a hall IC sensor of the hall IC sensor, the inertial sensor, the angle encoder, and the stretch sensor as an activation target for acquiring the second data based on the accuracy.

As another example, in response to determining that the degree of folding is included in the first range, the processor 120 may determine a hall IC sensor consuming a small amount of current among the hall IC sensors or the inertial sensor as an activation target for acquiring the second data, based on the above table 2. Further, in response to determining that the degree of folding is included in the nth range, based on the above table 2, the processor 120 may determine a hall IC sensor consuming a small amount of current among the hall IC sensor, the inertial sensor, the angle encoder, and the tension sensor as an activation target for acquiring the second data. Examples of the driving information as in tables 1 and 2 mentioned in the above embodiments are examples for helping understanding of some embodiments, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, information about the degree of folding, the corresponding sensors, the accuracy or the power consumption defined in the driving information may be configured and/or changed by a designer and/or a user. According to some embodiments, the determined activation target may be at least one of the combined information provider 520 or the deformation sensor provider 530 as described with reference to fig. 5.

According to some embodiments, when it is determined that the sensor change condition is not satisfied as a result of performing operation 740, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 in fig. 1) may perform an operation of determining whether the sensor change condition is satisfied. For example, processor 120 may perform at least one of operations 720-740.

FIG. 8A is a flow chart 800 for determining at least one second sensor as an activation target in connection with an electronic device, according to some embodiments. FIG. 8B is a diagram 850 depicting sensor control operations of an electronic device, according to some embodiments. The operations in fig. 8A, which will be described below, may correspond to certain implementations of operations 750 in fig. 7. Further, various operations in the following embodiments may be, but need not be, performed sequentially. For example, the order of the individual operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

Referring to fig. 8A, according to some embodiments, in operation 810, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 of fig. 1) may identify a folding state (or a folding category or a folding type) with respect to the electronic device 101 (or the main display 230) based on at least a portion of the first data. The folded state may be related to a folding direction of the electronic device 101. For example, the folded state may include a first folded state and a second folded state. The first folded state may correspond to a state (e.g., in-folded) in which a first surface (e.g., a first front surface) of the first housing 212 and a second surface (e.g., a second front surface) of the second housing 214 of the electronic device 101 are disposed to face each other (e.g., a case in which a third surface (e.g., a first rear surface) of the first housing 212 or a fourth surface (e.g., a second rear surface) of the second housing 214 is exposed). Further, the second folded state may correspond to a state (e.g., an outer fold) in which the third surface of the first housing 212 and the fourth surface of the second housing 214 of the electronic device 101 are disposed to face each other (e.g., a case in which the first surface of the first housing 212 or the second surface of the second housing 214 is exposed).

According to some embodiments, at operation 820, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 in fig. 1) may determine at least one second sensor corresponding to the collapsed state as the activation target.

According to some embodiments, in operation 830, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 in fig. 1) may determine at least one sensor that does not correspond to the folded state as the non-activation target. The processor 120 may process at least one sensor that has been determined to be an inactive target in order to switch to an inactive state. According to an embodiment, as shown in fig. 8B, when the electronic device 101 switches from the first folded state (e.g., the inner folded state) to the unfolded state (e.g., a state that is close to being completely unfolded), the processor 120 may determine at least one sensor (e.g., an outer folded sensor group) associated with the second folded state (e.g., the outer folded state) as the activation (e.g., driving) target. Further, when the electronic device 101 switches from the unfolded state to the second folded state, the processor 120 may process at least one sensor (e.g., an inner folding sensor group) associated with the first folded state so as to be in an inactive state (e.g., disabled). On the other hand, when the electronic device 101 switches from the second folded state to the unfolded state, the processor 120 may process at least one inactive sensor (e.g., an inner folding sensor group) associated with the first folded state for activation. Further, when the electronic device 101 switches from the unfolded state to the first folded state, the processor 120 may process at least one sensor (e.g., an outer set of folding sensors) associated with the second folded state to be in an inactive state.

More than one folded part

The present disclosure is not limited to electronic devices having only one folded portion. For example, in some embodiments, the housing of the electronic device may be foldable along more than one axis. For example, in fig. 10A, the electronic device may have a first fold 1012, a second fold 1014, and a third fold 1016. As shown in fig. 10A to 10D, the electronic device may have various folded states.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart 900 for determining at least one second sensor as an activation target in relation to an electronic device, according to some embodiments. Fig. 10A is a diagram for describing a folded state of an electronic device according to some embodiments, fig. 10B is a diagram for describing a folded state of an electronic device according to some embodiments, fig. 10C is a diagram for describing a folded state of an electronic device according to some embodiments, and fig. 10D is a diagram for describing a folded state of an electronic device according to some embodiments. The operations in fig. 9 described below may correspond to certain embodiments of operations 750 in fig. 7. Further, various operations in the following embodiments may be, but need not be, performed sequentially. For example, the order of the individual operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

Referring to fig. 9, according to some embodiments, in operation 910, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 of fig. 1) may sense a plurality of folded portions with respect to the display. For example, as shown in fig. 10A, the electronic device 101 may include (1000) a plurality of folded portions (e.g., a first folded portion 1012, a second folded portion 1014, and a third folded portion 1016). Further, the display 1010 may be divided into a plurality of regions with respect to the plurality of folded

portions

1012, 1014, and 1016. For example, the display 1010 may be divided into a first region 1022, a second region 1024, a third region 1026, and a fourth region 1028. According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may sense a portion, the folding of which is sensed by a plurality of folded

portions

1012, 1014, and 1016.

According to some embodiments, in operation 920, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 in fig. 1) may identify a folding type (or a folding category or a folding state) with respect to the electronic device 101 (or the main display 230) based on the sensed folding portion. As described above with reference to fig. 2A to 3B, the folding type related to the state of the electronic apparatus 101 may be an open state (or a fully open state), a folded state (or a partially open state), and/or a closed state. According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may determine the type of fold based on at least one of the number of portions whose folds have been sensed or the direction in which the folds have occurred. For example, when a fold is detected by one of the folded portions, the processor 120 may determine the type of fold corresponding to the fully closed state or the partially closed state. For example, as in the case of 1030 in fig. 10B, when a fold occurring in the third folded portion (or the first folded portion) is sensed, the processor 120 may determine a partially closed state in which at least a portion of the display is exposed. Further, as in the case of 1040 in fig. 10B, when the folding occurring at the second folded portion is sensed, the processor 120 may determine a fully closed state in which the display is not exposed. As another example, when at least two of the folded portions sense a fold, the processor 120 may determine a type of fold corresponding to a partially rolled state or a fully rolled state. For example, as in the case of 1050 in fig. 10C, when the folds occurring at the third fold portion (or the first fold portion) and the second fold portion in the same direction are sensed, the processor 120 may determine a partially rolled state in which at least a portion of the display is exposed. Further, as in the case of 1060 in fig. 10C, when the folds at the first, second, and third fold portions are sensed to occur in the same direction, the processor 120 may determine a fully rolled state in which the display is not exposed. Further, as in the case of 1070 and 1080 in fig. 10D, when the folds at the third folded portion (or the first folded portion) and the second folded portion are sensed to occur in at least different directions, the processor 120 may determine an "N" type or an "M" type state in which at least a portion of the display is exposed.

According to some embodiments, in operation 930, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 in fig. 1) may determine at least one second sensor as an activation target based on the determined type of fold. According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may determine at least one second sensor corresponding to the folding type among the sensors provided in the electronic device 101 as the activation target. For example, the activation target may be at least one of the combination information provider 520 or the deformation sensor provider 530 as described above with reference to fig. 5.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram 1100 for determining at least one second sensor as an activation target in relation to an electronic device, according to some embodiments. The operations in fig. 11 described below may correspond to certain implementations of operations 750 in fig. 7. Various operations in the following embodiments may be, but need not be, performed in sequence. For example, the order of the individual operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

Referring to fig. 11, according to some embodiments, in operation 1110, electronic device 101 (e.g., processor 120 of fig. 1) may determine whether a plurality of second sensors are determined to be activation targets.

According to some embodiments, when a single second sensor is determined to be an activation target, in operation 1140, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 in fig. 1) may process the single second sensor that has been determined to be an activation target for activation.

According to some embodiments, when the plurality of second sensors are determined as the activation targets, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 in fig. 1) may determine the type of the currently executed application in operation 1120. The types of applications may include a first type of application that uses a first level of deformation state and a second type of application that uses a second level of deformation state. The first-stage deformation state may include an open state of the electronic device 101 or a closed state of the electronic device 101. The second-stage deformation state may include a folded state in addition to the first-stage deformation state.

According to some embodiments, in operation 1130, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 in fig. 1) may determine at least some of the plurality of second sensors that have been determined to be activation targets as activation targets based on the application type and at least one piece of sensor information (e.g., sensor driving information) corresponding to at least one stored application (or application type). As in the example given in table 3 below, the driving information may be information on the definition of the sensor (e.g., the corresponding sensor) driven to correspond to the application type:

TABLE 3

For example, when an execution of a first type of application is identified, the processor 120 may determine a sensor capable of detecting a first-stage deformation state as the activation target. Further, when identifying that the second type of application is executing, the processor 120 may determine a sensor capable of detecting the second-stage deformation state as the activation target. According to some embodiments, the activation target may be at least one of the combination information provider 520 or the deformation sensor provider 530 as described above with reference to fig. 5.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram 1200 for determining a deformation state of a display associated with an electronic device, according to some embodiments. The operations in fig. 12 described below may correspond to certain embodiments of operations 640 in fig. 6. Various operations in the following embodiments may be, but need not be, performed in sequence. For example, the order of the individual operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

Referring to fig. 12, according to some embodiments, in operation 1210, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 of fig. 1) may confirm whether the display is in a fixed state based on at least a portion of the first data or at least a portion of the second data. According to an embodiment, as in the case of a laptop computer, the fixed state of the display may correspond to a state in which the first and

second housings

212 and 214 of the electronic device 101, which are capable of being folded and unfolded, maintain a pre-designated angle.

According to some embodiments, in operation 1220, in response to confirming the fixed state of the display, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 of fig. 1) may acquire third data by using at least one third sensor. According to an embodiment, the at least one third sensor may comprise at least one sensor capable of measuring an angle between the first housing and the second housing. For example, the at least one third sensor may be at least one of the combination information provider 520 or the deformation sensor provider 530 as described above with reference to fig. 5.

According to some embodiments, in operation 1230, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 of fig. 1) may determine a deformed state of the display based on at least a portion of the third data.

Based on the deformation state, the electronic device may determine how to change the output scheme on the display.

Changing output scheme based on deformation state

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram 1300 for changing a display output scheme based on a deformed state of a display associated with an electronic device, according to some embodiments. FIG. 14 is a diagram 1400 that describes operations for changing an output scheme based on a deformation state associated with an electronic device, in accordance with certain embodiments. The operations in fig. 13 described below may correspond to certain embodiments of operations 640 in fig. 6. Various operations in the following embodiments may be, but need not be, performed in sequence. For example, the order of the individual operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

Referring to fig. 13, according to some embodiments, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 of fig. 1) may output an execution screen by using the first display and the second display in operation 1310. According to an embodiment, the first display may correspond to a first region (e.g., first region 231 in fig. 2) of a main display (e.g., main display 230 in fig. 2), and the second display may correspond to a second region (e.g., second region 232 in fig. 2) of main display 230.

According to some embodiments, in operation 1320, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 of fig. 1) may confirm whether the deformation state of the display satisfies a specified condition. According to an embodiment, the specified condition may be a reference angle for changing the currently configured display output scheme. According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may confirm that a specified condition is satisfied when the display is sensed to be deformed beyond a specified angle. Further, when the display deformation is sensed to be within the specified angle, the processor 120 may confirm that the specified condition is not satisfied.

According to some embodiments, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 in fig. 1) may maintain the output of the execution screen when it is confirmed that the deformation state of the display does not satisfy the specified condition. For example, the processor 120 may output an execution screen by specifying the first display and the second display in the output scheme.

According to some embodiments, when it is confirmed that the deformation state of the display satisfies the specified condition, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 in fig. 1) may change an output scheme with respect to at least one of the first display or the second display in operation 1330. According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may process one of the first display or the second display to operate as a display device supporting a first output scheme (e.g., a 2D output scheme) 1410, and may process the other display to operate as a display device supporting a second output scheme (e.g., a 3D output scheme) 1420, as shown in fig. 14. According to another embodiment, the processor 120 may process one of the first display or the second display to operate as a display device and may process the other display to operate as an input device.

Expandable display

Some embodiments may also be applied to electronic devices having an expandable display. FIG. 15 is a flow chart 1500 for determining an operating mode associated with an electronic device, according to some embodiments. Fig. 16A is a diagram for describing a display structure of an electronic device according to some embodiments, and fig. 16B is a diagram for describing a display structure of an electronic device according to some embodiments. FIG. 16C is another diagram for describing operations for changing an output scheme based on a deformation state, according to some embodiments. Various operations in the following embodiments may be, but need not be, performed in sequence. For example, the order of the individual operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

Referring to fig. 15, according to some embodiments, in operation 1510, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 of fig. 1) may acquire first data by using at least one first sensor. According to an embodiment, the at least one first sensor may be some of the sensors provided in the electronic device 101. The first sensor may be a sensor capable of sensing folding relative to at least a portion of the display. For example, the first sensor may include at least one of a hall IC sensor, an angular encoder, a proximity sensor, or an acceleration sensor. However, this is merely an example, and the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the first sensor may include various sensors capable of sensing folding relative to the display. According to an embodiment, as shown at 1600 in fig. 16A, the display 1610 of the electronic device may expand (or contract). Further, at least one first sensor may be disposed on a second surface (e.g., back surface 1630) different from the first surface (e.g., front surface 1620) of display 1610, as shown in fig. 16B. For example, as shown at 1630 in fig. 16B, which shows a side surface of display 1610, display 1610 may be disposed on a plurality of housings 1632. In addition, the respective housings 1632 may be disposed at both sides of a folding portion (e.g., a hinge member) 1638 and may be foldably or rotatably connected to each other by the folding portion 1638, as shown at 1640 in fig. 16B. In addition, each housing 1632 can be disposed on a support member 1634, and at least one first sensor 1639 can be disposed on at least a portion of each support member 1634-1 and 1634-2.

According to some embodiments, in operation 1520, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 in fig. 1) may confirm whether the folded state of the display 1610 is sensed based on at least a portion of the first data. The folded state may be associated with a state around the folded part P as shown at 1650 in FIG. 16C₁And a folded part P₂(e.g., folded portion 1638 in fig. 16B) at least one of the plurality of support members connected to each other is rotated.

According to some embodiments, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 in fig. 1) may perform the operation of acquiring the first data when the folded state of the display 1610 is not sensed. First data may include information about the angle between support member 1634-1 and support member 1634-2.

According to some embodiments, upon detecting the folded state of the display 1610, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 of fig. 1) may process the at least one second sensor for operation in operation 1530. According to an embodiment, the at least one second sensor may be different from the first sensor that is activated to acquire the first data. For example, the at least one second sensor may be a sensor capable of sensing at least one of a degree of folding of the display 1610 or a folding strength thereof. For example, the processor 120 may use a stretch sensor as the at least one second sensor. However, this is merely an example, and the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the processor 120 may use various sensors capable of sensing the degree of folding of the display 1610 or the folding strength thereof as the at least one second sensor.

According to some embodiments, in operation 1540, electronic device 101 (e.g., processor 120 of fig. 1) may confirm whether the second data was acquired by the at least one second sensor.

According to some embodiments, when the acquisition of the second data is not sensed, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 in fig. 1) may determine a screen output scheme based on the first data in operation 1560. For example, the processor 120 may process an execution screen to be output so as to correspond to the expanded (or reduced) display 1610.

According to some embodiments, when the acquisition of the second data is sensed, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 in fig. 1) may determine a screen output scheme based on the first data and the second data in operation 1550. According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may measure the deformation of the electronic device (or display) based on the second data. This can solve the problem: if the deformation state of the electronic device (or the display) is measured only by the at least one first sensor, the deformation state of the electronic device cannot be accurately measured due to the characteristics of the first sensor. For example, processor 120 may measure the angle of each of support member 1634-1 and support member 1634-2, but may not accurately measure the deformation state of the electronic device based on the angle of support member 1634-1 and support member 1634-2 alone. In this way, processor 120 can accurately measure the deformation state (e.g., bending or rolling) of the electronic device by using the tension sensor when a pre-specified level of angular change is sensed relative to support member 1634-1 and support member 1634-2. As another example, processor 120 may measure the fold relative to each of support member 1634-1 and support member 1634-2, but may not accurately measure the deformation state of the electronic device due to the cumulative error with respect to the folds of support member 1634-1 and support member 1634-2. In this way, processor 120 can accurately measure the deformation state of the electronic device by using the stretch sensor when a predetermined level of folding is sensed relative to designated support member 1634-1 and support member 1634-2. Further, the processor 120 may determine a screen output scheme based on the measured deformation of the electronic device. For example, the processor 120 may distinguish the first region 1652 from the second region 1654 with reference to a region in which a specified degree of folding or a specified strength of folding is sensed. In addition, the processor 120 may apply different output schemes to the distinguished first region 1652 and second region 1654. For example, the processor 120 may use one of the first region 1652 and the second region 1654 as a fixed region, and may use the other region as an extended region. For example, the processor 120 may adjust a ratio with respect to the execution screen output in the expansion area based on the second data, and may fix the ratio with respect to the execution screen output in the fixed area. As another example, the processor 120 may process one of the first region 1652 or the second region 1654 to operate as a display device and may process the other region to operate as an input device. As another example, the processor 120 may process one of the first region 1652 or the second region 1654 to operate as a display device supporting the first output scheme, and may process the other region to operate as a display device supporting the second output scheme.

A method for operating an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 101 in fig. 1) according to some embodiments may include the operations of: acquiring first data by using at least one first sensor (e.g., at least a portion of the physical sensor 510 in fig. 5) configured to measure a relative position and/or angle of a first portion (e.g., the first housing 212 in fig. 2A) and a second portion (e.g., the second housing 214 in fig. 2A) of a flexible display (e.g., the primary display 230 in fig. 2A); activating a second sensor (e.g., another portion of physical sensor 510 in fig. 5) different from the first sensor based at least in part on the acquired first data; acquiring second data by using the activated second sensor; and sensing a deformation state of the flexible display based at least in part on the acquired first data or second data.

According to an embodiment, the operation of acquiring the first data may include an operation of monitoring an initial state of the flexible display by using the first sensor after the electronic device is started.

According to an embodiment, the at least one first sensor may include at least one of a hall IC sensor (e.g., hall IC sensor 517 in fig. 5) or an acceleration sensor (e.g., acceleration sensor 511 in fig. 5) provided in the electronic device.

According to an embodiment, the at least one second sensor may include at least one of an angular encoder (e.g., angular encoder 513 of fig. 5) or a rotation sensor (e.g., rotation sensor 519 of fig. 5) disposed in the electronic device.

According to an embodiment, activating operation of the second sensor may comprise activating operation of the at least one second sensor based at least in part on the first data and accuracy information and/or current consumption information of the at least one first sensor and the at least one second sensor corresponding to the relative position and/or angle.

According to an embodiment, activating operation of the second sensor may include activating operation of the at least one second sensor based at least in part on the first data and information about the at least one first sensor and the at least one second sensor corresponding to the at least one application.

According to an embodiment, the operation of activating the second sensor may comprise the operations of: measuring an angle with respect to a third portion of the flexible display; determining a folding type of the flexible display based on angles of the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion; and activating at least one second sensor based on the determined type of fold.

According to an embodiment, the method may include the operation of activating the at least one second sensor and then leaving the at least one first sensor in an inactive state.

According to an embodiment, the operation of sensing the deformation state of the flexible display may include the operations of: activating at least one third sensor different from the at least one first sensor and the at least one second sensor when the sensed deformation state of the flexible display satisfies a specified condition; acquiring third data by using an activated third sensor (e.g., another portion of physical sensor 510 in fig. 5); and monitoring a deformation state of the flexible display based on the acquired third data.

According to an embodiment, the method may include an operation of determining an output scheme with respect to the first and second portions based on the sensed deformation state of the flexible display.

Meanwhile, although certain embodiments have been described, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of certain embodiments. Thus, the scope of certain embodiments is not limited to the described embodiments, but is defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising:

a housing;

a flexible display comprising a first portion and a second portion movable relative to each other;

at least one first sensor disposed in the housing and configured to measure a relative position of the first portion and the second portion;

at least one second sensor, different from the at least one first sensor, disposed in the housing and configured to measure the relative position of the first portion and the second portion;

at least one processor disposed in the housing and operably connected to the flexible display, the at least one first sensor, and the at least one second sensor; and

a memory operably connected to the at least one processor, wherein,

the memory stores instructions that, when executed, cause the at least one processor to perform operations comprising:

acquiring first data from the at least one first sensor;

activating the at least one second sensor based at least in part on the acquired first data;

acquiring second data from the at least one second sensor; and

sensing a deformation state of the flexible display based at least in part on the acquired first data or second data.

2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of operations further comprise monitoring an initial state of the housing from the at least one first sensor after activation of the electronic device.

3. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the at least one first sensor comprises at least one of a hall IC sensor and an acceleration sensor.

4. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the at least one second sensor comprises at least one of an angular encoder and a rotation sensor.

5. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the memory is configured to store accuracy information or current consumption information of the at least one first sensor and the at least one second sensor corresponding to the relative position, and the plurality of operations further comprise activating the at least one second sensor based at least in part on the first data and the accuracy information or the current consumption.

6. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the memory is configured to store information about the at least one first sensor and the at least one second sensor corresponding to at least one application, and the plurality of operations further comprise activating the at least one second sensor based at least in part on the first data and the information.

7. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the flexible display further comprises a plurality of third portions movable relative to each other;

the memory is configured to store information regarding a folding type of the at least one first sensor and the at least one second sensor corresponding to the flexible display, wherein the folding type of the flexible display is determined based on angles of the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion; and

the plurality of operations further include determining the folding type of the flexible display based at least in part on the first data, and activating the at least one second sensor based on information corresponding to the determined folding type.

8. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of operations further comprise activating the at least one second sensor and then leaving the at least one first sensor in an inactive state.

9. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising at least one third sensor, different from the at least one first sensor and the at least one second sensor, disposed in the housing and configured to measure the relative positions of the first portion and the second portion,

wherein the plurality of operations further comprise:

activating the at least one third sensor when the deformation state of the flexible display satisfies a specified condition;

acquiring third data by using the activated at least one third sensor; and

monitoring the deformation state of the flexible display based on the acquired third data; and

wherein the at least one third sensor comprises a gyroscope sensor.

10. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of operations further comprise determining an output scheme for the first portion and the second portion based on the deformed state of the flexible display.

11. A method for operating an electronic device, the method comprising:

acquiring first data from at least one first sensor configured to measure a relative position of a first portion and a second portion of a flexible display;

activating at least one second sensor different from the at least one first sensor based at least in part on the acquired first data;

acquiring second data from the activated at least one second sensor; and

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the acquiring first data comprises monitoring an initial state of the flexible display from the at least one first sensor after the electronic device is activated.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one first sensor comprises at least one of a hall IC sensor or an acceleration sensor disposed in the electronic device.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one second sensor comprises at least one of an angular encoder or a rotation sensor disposed in the electronic device.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the activating the at least one second sensor comprises activating the at least one second sensor based at least in part on the first data and accuracy information or current consumption information of the at least one first sensor and the at least one second sensor corresponding to the relative position.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein activating the at least one second sensor comprises activating the at least one second sensor based at least in part on the first data and information about the at least one first sensor and the at least one second sensor corresponding to at least one application.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein activating the at least one second sensor comprises:

determining a folding type of the flexible display based on angles of the first, second, and third portions of the flexible display; and

activating the at least one second sensor based on the determined folded state.

18. The method of claim 11, comprising activating the at least one second sensor and leaving the at least one first sensor in an inactive state after activating the at least one second sensor.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the sensing a deformation state of the flexible display comprises:

activating at least one third sensor different from the at least one first sensor and the at least one second sensor when the deformation state of the flexible display satisfies a specified condition;

acquiring third data from the activated at least one third sensor; and

monitoring the deformation state of the flexible display based on the acquired third data.

20. The method of claim 11, comprising determining an output scheme for the first portion and the second portion based on the deformed state of the flexible display.